FAQ

What is counselling/therapy?

Counselling is an engaged and purposeful conversation that helps people discover their own strengths, solutions, emotions, and purpose in life. Based on trust and a collaborative relationship, client and therapist work together with the goal of increasing the client's well-being.

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People will experience various outcomes in counselling which may include: deeper insight into their lives, improved life skills, relief from problems, decrease in emotional distress, healthier styles of being in relationships, decreased negative reactions to hurt and/or historical pain, tools to create positive change, and more.

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It is important to be aware that the benefits of counselling accompany hard work outside of the counselling hour.

 

How do I know that I need counselling?

People can access counselling at all crossroads and for all reasons in their lives. Do any of these questions apply to you or someone you care about?

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• Is there something in my life that isn’t quite as I’d like it?

• Am I feeling stuck? And looking for a safe place to explore options for movement/changes?

• Do I have some goals I’d like to pursue and am not sure where to start?

• Are there life transitions happening that aren’t bringing as much joy as I’d like?

• Could my self-esteem use a boost? Do I really know myself?

• Do I need to build up better boundaries and assertive communication skills?

• Do I need additional tools to deal with this particular problem in my life?

• Do I just need to talk to someone who isn’t a friend or a family member?

• Am I hoping to make this next season of my life the best season ever?

• Am I grieving a loss or a change?

• Am I feeling alone in managing this problem?

• Could I just use an unbiased person to hear some of the thoughts in my head?

• Do I have unresolved grief, trauma, forgiveness that I’d like to address?

 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could probably benefit from seeing a counsellor.

 

How many sessions will I need to attend?

This is different for everyone and depends on the issue you bring to counselling. Some people find they’ve resolved their problem in a session or two, while others come weekly for a few months. Still, others find counselling a great maintenance option and come regularly for years. You and your counsellor will discuss this in your first session, and check in on progress often throughout your work with your counsellor.

 

How do I know which counsellor/therapist to see?

Finding the right counsellor is very much about personal taste and fit. Not everyone finds the same style helpful.  My style is very collaborative and dynamic. It is not a passive experience, but more of a supportive exchange where clients report feeling heard and validated, while also being challenged to consider different perspectives and ideas.

 

What will I get out of counselling?

You will gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your problem. You will acquire tools, gain balance and experience a new enthusiasm for your life. Counselling can contribute to an improved ability to cope with stress and difficult situations and can increase understanding of yourself and others.

 

How long are counselling sessions?

Counselling sessions are typically 50 minutes in length. Arrangements for longer or shorter sessions can be made.

 

Does the counsellor keep my information private?

Turner Counselling Services places a high value on the confidentiality of the information shared by clients. Personal information that you share may be entered into your records in written form and your therapist is the only person who has access to your file. All information is kept confidential within the limits of the law. If for some reason there is a need to disclose your personal information, you will be consulted first and then asked to sign a form authorizing the transfer of the information. There are legal exemptions to confidentiality:

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1. If you are ‘court ordered’ to access counselling, the court will likely ask for a report of your evaluation;

2. If you are involved in litigation, the court may subpoena your file;

3. If you threaten to harm yourself or someone else, the authorities may be notified;

4. If a child or vulnerable adult is being abused or neglected, the authorities may be notified.

 

What are the fees and preferred method of payment?

At TCS our session fee is $140/session. Methods of payment are cheque, cash, or e-transfer.

 

Can I use my extended health plan to cover the cost?

Yes, usually. But not all extended health plans cover counselling expenses. Please check with your provider about coverage, such as how many sessions are covered per year, service provider credentials required for reimbursement, etc.

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Please note that we do not directly bill extended health providers. You will be required to pay for your session and then submit your receipt to your provider for reimbursement.

 

What is the cancellation policy?

We uphold a 24-hour cancellation policy. When cancelling an appointment less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment, clients agree to pay the full rate.

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If your question is not answered here, please feel free to contact the office at 705.816.4877 or email at nicole@nicolelangman.com. 

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